Signing coup for Airdrie

Diamonds snap up former Newcastle star’s son

Airdrie have pulled off a sensational signing coup to snap up former Newcastle star Laurent Robert’s son.

Winger Thomas turned down a four-year deal with Montpellier in favour of a switch to the Diamonds on a one-year deal.

Director of football Stuart Millar believes the 19- year- old is destined for stardom, and revealed the League

One side fought off lastsecond bids from the Bundesliga.

The in- demand youngster will hope to follow in the footsteps of his father who made his mark at the Magpies, PSG and Benfica.

“We are delighted to get someone to the club who is the stature of Thomas Robert,” Millar told the Advertiser.

“He comes from a top football background with his father having played in the Premier League, for PSG and for the French national team.

“It’s a major signing coup for the club and we are absolutely thrilled.

“He had the option to sign a four-year deal with Montpellier but didn’t want to be playing under- 23 football. He wanted to go overseas and test himself.

“He could have played for any team in Europe, really, he had two teams from the Bundesliga trying to tempt him just last week but this was agreed and waiting approval from the French football authorities.

“He came to the club and was impressed and decided this was the place he wanted to play his football.

“He is a talent and comes with a real pedigree. He could play anywhere he wants, he is that good.

“That’s not to say he won’t be coming into a hard league and have to deal with a good standard of player.

“He will have to hit the ground running, especially in a 27-game season.”

Signing coup Thomas Robert has agreed to join the Diamonds